Lac du Grand Mean: A Glacial Gem in the Vanoise
Discover Lac du Grand Mean: A breathtaking glacial lake in the French Alps with stunning views and a unique high-altitude hiking experience.
Lac du Grand Mean is a stunning glacial lake nestled in the Vanoise National Park near Bonneval-sur-Arc. Fed by the Grand Mean Glacier, the lake features ice cliffs and floating icebergs, creating a unique landscape reminiscent of Greenland or Patagonia. The challenging hike to reach it offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience the raw beauty of the French Alps.
A brief summary to Lac du Grand Mean
- Glacier du Grand Mean, Bonneval-sur-Arc, 73480, FR
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- The best time to visit is between mid-June and mid-October, when the trail is clear of snow and the weather is favorable.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water, as the trail is steep and rocky.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.
- Consider a stop at the Refuge des Evettes on your way back for a well-deserved break and local cuisine.
Getting There
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Walking
The final approach to Lac du Grand Mean involves a challenging hike from the hamlet of l'Écot near Bonneval-sur-Arc. From l'Écot, follow signs towards Refuge des Évettes, which will lead you through the Gorges de la Reculaz. After crossing the Pont Romain, head towards Lac du Grand Mean; note that the route is no longer signposted from this point. The climb to the lake involves traversing scree and rocky slabs. Cost: Parking at the Ecot car park during peak season (June 15 to September 15) costs between €2.00-€7.00 for up to 24 hours. Bus line 7 from Bonneval/Arc to L'Ecot is also an option.
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Public Transport
To reach the trailhead at l'Écot using public transport, take the S53 bus from Modane to Bonneval-sur-Arc. From Bonneval-sur-Arc, you can either walk to l'Écot or take the local bus line 7. Cost: The S53 bus from Modane to Bonneval-sur-Arc costs approximately €4-€6. Bus line 7 from Bonneval-sur-Arc to L'Ecot is an additional cost.
Discover more about Lac du Grand Mean
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Refuge du Prariond
12.1 km
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Refuge du Fond des Fours
13.0 km
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Lac de l'Ouillette
14.3 km
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Le Refuge de Solaise
14.6 km
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Le Chardon Mountain Lodges
16.0 km
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Chalet Daria - Hip Hideouts
16.1 km
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La Corniche
16.1 km
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L'Etincelle
16.2 km
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Cimalpes Val d'Isère
16.2 km
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Les 5 Frères
16.2 km
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Experimental Chalet Val d'Isère
16.3 km
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Airelles Val d'Isère
16.3 km
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Hôtel Le Yule
16.3 km
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Tourist Office Val d'Isere
16.4 km
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Restaurant le Salon des Fous Val d'Isère
16.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
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6.8 km
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Cascata del Dres
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Lago di Ceresole Reale
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Dam of the lake of Ceresole Reale
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Lago Paschiet
11.1 km
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Col de l'Iseran
11.1 km
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Val d'Isère station de ski & village
15.3 km
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La Ferme de l'Adroit
15.8 km
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Tignes Air Experience
15.9 km
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Parcours Val Aventure
16.0 km
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Club Med Val d'Isère
16.1 km
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Musée de Val d'Isère
16.6 km
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Cascata di Noasca
16.6 km
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Raquettes Val d'Isère
16.7 km
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La Spada nella roccia
17.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Rifugio Massimo Mila
10.1 km
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La Lanterna del Duca
10.2 km
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LO SCIATORE Ristorante Bar
10.4 km
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Ristorante e Locanda Chalet del Lago
10.5 km
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Ristorante La Genzianella
11.0 km
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Rifugio Le Fonti Minerali - Pizzeria - Ceresole Reale - Guide Alpine Valle Dell' Orco
11.1 km
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Restaurant la Datcha
13.6 km
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Restaurant d'Altitude Le Signal
13.7 km
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Restaurant l'Edelweiss
14.1 km
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Restaurant La Plage - L’Ouillette
14.2 km
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Restaurant les Crozets
14.5 km
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L'Etable d'Alain
15.8 km
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Le Piaf Val d’Isere
16.0 km
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Restaurant L'Alpin Val d'isère
16.1 km
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Restaurant La Casa Scara
16.2 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The North Face
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Les Sonnailles
16.2 km
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Vanille & Lilas - Val D'Isère
16.3 km
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Moncler
16.3 km
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Planks Clothing - Val d'Isère
16.3 km
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Millet Expert Shop
16.3 km
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Patagonia Partner Store
16.3 km
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Happy Marmotte
16.3 km
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Unplugged
16.3 km
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Décalés
16.3 km
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Poivre Blanc
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Columbia Sportswear Magasin Val d'Isère
16.4 km
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Arpin by Mattis
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KUJTEN - Val d'isère
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MAX et MOI
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tipi Bar
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Cocorico Après Ski - Val d'Isère
16.2 km
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Alex Bar
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Saloon
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Chez Jules Le Coin Des Amis
16.3 km
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Bleu Note Bar
16.4 km
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M BAR
16.4 km
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Sun Bar
16.4 km
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Underground Café
16.5 km
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La Bananas
16.5 km
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Saloon Bar
16.5 km
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Le 15
16.7 km
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Le Pub
16.7 km
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La Cave sur le comptoir
16.7 km
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Le B'Bar Val d'Isère
16.8 km
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